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Australia, Israel probe FlyDubai co-pilot in alleged cockpit incident
Authorities in Australia and Israel have launched investigations into an Omani co-pilot's background following an alleged cockpit attack aboard a FlyDubai aircraft. The multi-nation probe is examining the pilot's connections and movements across jurisdictions.
LSN India ·
The Australian Federal Police's counterterrorism division has initiated an investigation into the co-pilot's links to Australia, according to reports. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a coalition comprising the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, is leading the Australian leg of the inquiry.
The co-pilot was granted an Australian student visa in 2014 and remained in the country between 2015 and 2017, sources familiar with the case told Australian media outlets. His visa was subsequently cancelled in 2019, though the cancellation was not attributed to character concerns.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is conducting its own investigation into the incident aboard the FlyDubai flight destined for Tel Aviv, examining the co-pilot's motives and potential connections that may have influenced his actions. Israeli authorities are also involved in the multi-jurisdictional probe.
The case has drawn international attention, with investigators seeking to establish a comprehensive timeline of the co-pilot's movements, associations, and circumstances that led to his employment with the airline ahead of the alleged cockpit incident.